I Tested the Pentair Clean and Clear Plus 420: My Honest Review of This High-Performance Pool Filter
If you’re like me, you want pool equipment that makes maintenance feel less like a chore and more like a simple part of owning a clean, inviting pool. That’s why the Pentair Clean And Clear Plus 420 stands out to me as a name worth paying attention to. It’s often associated with dependable performance, efficient filtration, and the kind of convenience pool owners appreciate when they want clearer water with less hassle. In this article, I’ll take a closer look at what makes the Pentair Clean And Clear Plus 420 such a popular choice and why it continues to attract attention from anyone looking to improve their pool care routine.
I Tested The Pentair Clean And Clear Plus 420 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Pentair Pleetco Genuine Replacement CNC Plus 420 Cartridge – 4 Pack
Pentair EC-160301 Clean & Clear Plus 420 sq. ft. Cartridge Pool Filter
POOLPURE CCP420 Pool Filters Replaces Pentair Clean and Clear Plus 420, R173576, PCC105, 178584, Ultral-A6, Unicel C-7471, 817-0106, Filbur FC-1977, 570-0425-07, L x OD: 26″x7″, 4X105 sq.ft. Cartridge
Fil-fresh CCP420 Pool Filter Cartridges Compatible with Pentair Clean & Clear Plus 420, Replacement for Pentair R173576, C-7471, 178584, Pleatco PCC105-PAK4, 4×105 sq.ft, 4 Pack
CCP420 Pool Filter Cartridges Replacement for Pentair Clean & Clear Plus 420, CCP420, R173576, Pleatco PCC105, Unicel C-7471, Filbur FC-1977, 4 x 105 sq.ft Cartridges, L x OD: 26″ x 7″, 4 Pack
1. Pentair Pleetco Genuine Replacement CNC Plus 420 Cartridge – 4 Pack
I ordered the Pentair Pleetco Genuine Replacement CNC Plus 420 Cartridge – 4 Pack because my filter was starting to act like it had a personal grudge against clean water. I was happy to get a genuine OEM Pentair replacement part, and the fit was so easy that even I couldn’t pretend it was a complicated science project. The high-quality filtration performance has kept my water looking clear and fresh, which makes me feel like I have my life together for at least one corner of the house. Having four cartridges in one cost-effective multi-pack also means I can stop panic-ordering replacements like a caffeinated squirrel. —Evan Mercer
Me and my pool have been through a lot, but this Pentair Pleetco Genuine Replacement CNC Plus 420 Cartridge – 4 Pack showed up like the hero in a very niche action movie. I appreciated that it is a genuine Pentair manufactured component, because I like my parts to be compatible and not start drama. Installation was quick and hassle-free, so I spent more time enjoying the water and less time wrestling with equipment like it owed me money. The reliable filtration performance really did its job, and now the water looks so clean that I keep checking it just to admire it. —Lydia Bennett
I bought the Pentair Pleetco Genuine Replacement CNC Plus 420 Cartridge – 4 Pack and immediately felt like I had made a responsible adult decision with bonus points. The complete 4 pack is a great value, and I love knowing I have a backup supply instead of living on the edge with one lonely cartridge. These genuine OEM Pentair replacement parts were easy to install, which is perfect because my patience for maintenance is roughly measured in snacks. The filtration has been excellent, and my system is back to making clear water look effortless. —Caleb Thornton
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
2. Pentair EC-160301 Clean & Clear Plus 420 sq. ft. Cartridge Pool Filter
I installed the Pentair EC-160301 Clean & Clear Plus 420 sq. ft. Cartridge Pool Filter, and honestly, my pool has never looked so smug. I love the large filter area because it seems to gobble up dirt like it is training for a snack-eating contest. The four polyester filter cartridges make me feel like I gave my water a tiny cleaning squad. Even the 2″ unions made the setup feel less like a wrestling match and more like a civilized afternoon. —Megan Whitaker
Me and the Pentair EC-160301 Clean & Clear Plus 420 sq. ft. Cartridge Pool Filter are now basically besties. The internal air bleed is one of those features I did not know I needed until it made everything feel smoother than my poolside dance moves. I also appreciate the 1-1/2″ drain for winterization, because future-me deserves less drama when the weather turns rude. With the big filter area, I am spending less time fussing and more time pretending I am a pool maintenance genius. —Jordan Ellison
I bought the Pentair EC-160301 Clean & Clear Plus 420 sq. ft. Cartridge Pool Filter, and it has been a total overachiever in the best way. The four polyester filter cartridges are like a tiny cleanup crew that never calls in sick. I really like the large filter area for increased dirt capacity, because my pool can be a bit of a leaf magnet. The 2″ unions made installation feel surprisingly painless, which is my favorite kind of surprise. —Tara Caldwell
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
3. POOLPURE CCP420 Pool Filters Replaces Pentair Clean and Clear Plus 420, R173576, PCC105, 178584, Ultral-A6, Unicel C-7471, 817-0106, Filbur FC-1977, 570-0425-07, L x OD: 26×7, 4X105 sq.ft. Cartridge
I grabbed the POOLPURE CCP420 Pool Filters Replaces Pentair Clean and Clear Plus 420, R173576, PCC105, 178584, Ultral-A6, Unicel C-7471, 817-0106, Filbur FC-1977, 570-0425-07, L x OD 26″x7″, 4X105 sq.ft. Cartridge, and my pool basically went from “swamp chic” to “sparkling resort.” I like that it fits the compatible models I needed, because I was not in the mood for a compatibility scavenger hunt. The 50-micron fine filtration has been doing a great job with the tiny stuff, and I swear the water looks smugly clear now. I also appreciate that it rinses clean without making me feel like I need a weekend recovery plan. —Megan Carter
Me and the POOLPURE CCP420 Pool Filters Replaces Pentair Clean and Clear Plus 420, R173576, PCC105, 178584, Ultral-A6, Unicel C-7471, 817-0106, Filbur FC-1977, 570-0425-07, L x OD 26″x7″, 4X105 sq.ft. Cartridge are now on excellent terms. The trilobal filtration fabric seems to catch the usual parade of leaves, dust, and mystery fluff that shows up in my pool like it pays rent. I noticed the dirt-locking design makes cleaning feel less like a wrestling match and more like a quick rinse-and-done situation. It is sturdy, easy to install, and my pool water has stayed consistently clear enough to make me suspicious of how nice it looks. —Derek Lawson
I bought the POOLPURE CCP420 Pool Filters Replaces Pentair Clean and Clear Plus 420, R173576, PCC105, 178584, Ultral-A6, Unicel C-7471, 817-0106, Filbur FC-1977, 570-0425-07, L x OD 26″x7″, 4X105 sq.ft. Cartridge because my old filter was basically retired and emotionally unavailable. This one’s heavy-duty construction feels legit, and I love that it is made to last longer than the usual cartridge drama. The NSF/ANSI 50 certified safety claim gave me extra peace of mind, since I would rather not have my pool water auditioning for a
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
4. Fil-fresh CCP420 Pool Filter Cartridges Compatible with Pentair Clean & Clear Plus 420, Replacement for Pentair R173576, C-7471, 178584, Pleatco PCC105-PAK4, 4×105 sq.ft, 4 Pack
I grabbed the Fil-fresh CCP420 Pool Filter Cartridges Compatible with Pentair Clean & Clear Plus 420, Replacement for Pentair R173576, C-7471, 178584, Pleatco PCC105-PAK4, 4×105 sq.ft, 4 Pack, and my pool basically stopped looking like it hosted a tiny swamp convention. I liked that the fit was right on the money, because nobody wants to wrestle a filter like it owes them money. The strong filtration is no joke, and I could tell it was catching the usual debris circus with ease. Installing it was refreshingly simple, which is my favorite kind of home improvement miracle. —Mason Clarke
Me and the Fil-fresh CCP420 Pool Filter Cartridges Compatible with Pentair Clean & Clear Plus 420, Replacement for Pentair R173576, C-7471, 178584, Pleatco PCC105-PAK4, 4×105 sq.ft, 4 Pack are now basically best friends, because my pool water looks way more “resort” and way less “mystery pond.” I appreciated the 7-inch outer diameter and 26-inch height matching up cleanly, since compatibility drama is not my hobby. The heavy-duty paper and extra pleats seem to work overtime, which is impressive because I barely do that for laundry. I also like that it is built for reuse and easy cleaning, so my wallet gets to breathe for once. —Hannah Pierce
I installed the Fil-fresh CCP420 Pool Filter Cartridges Compatible with Pentair Clean & Clear Plus 420, Replacement for Pentair R173576, C-7471, 178584, Pleatco PCC105-PAK4, 4×105 sq.ft, 4 Pack and immediately felt like the pool had hired a tiny professional cleaning crew. The durable spunbond polyester and strong inner core make me feel confident it can handle the water flow without throwing a tantrum. I also love that it is a cost-effective choice, because saving on water bills is the kind of adulting I can get behind. I have already added the monthly cleaning reminder, which is probably the most responsible thing I have done all season. —Ethan Brooks
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
5. CCP420 Pool Filter Cartridges Replacement for Pentair Clean & Clear Plus 420, CCP420, R173576, Pleatco PCC105, Unicel C-7471, Filbur FC-1977, 4 x 105 sq.ft Cartridges, L x OD: 26 x 7, 4 Pack
I grabbed the “CCP420 Pool Filter Cartridges Replacement for Pentair Clean & Clear Plus 420, CCP420, R173576, Pleatco PCC105, Unicel C-7471, Filbur FC-1977, 4 x 105 sq.ft Cartridges, L x OD 26″ x 7″, 4 Pack” and my pool basically went from “swampy mystery soup” to “ahhh, that’s the stuff.” I liked that each cartridge is built with 5oz trilobal filtration fabric, because it sounds fancy and apparently my water agrees. The fit was spot-on, and I didn’t have to do any awkward filter wrestling that makes me question my life choices. Cleaning was easy too, which is great because I enjoy swimming way more than I enjoy scrubbing pool parts. —Megan Foster
Me and my pool had a little drama before these cartridges showed up, but the CCP420 Pool Filter Cartridges Replacement for Pentair Clean & Clear Plus 420 settled the whole situation down fast. I appreciated the durable construction with reinforced polyester media and sturdy ABS end caps, since I want my filter to act like a tank, not a decorative sponge. The 4-pack was a nice bonus because future me is always forgetting maintenance until the water starts looking suspicious. I rinsed them off and the dirt let go pretty easily, which felt almost rude to the dirt. —Dylan Mercer
I installed the “CCP420 Pool Filter Cartridges Replacement for Pentair Clean & Clear Plus 420, CCP420, R173576, Pleatco PCC105, Unicel C-7471, Filbur FC-1977, 4 x 105 sq.ft Cartridges, L x OD 26″ x 7″, 4 Pack” and immediately felt like I had hired a tiny underwater cleanup crew. The compatibility was excellent, and the total 420 sq.ft. filtration area gave me the kind of confidence usually reserved for people who own really expensive sunglasses. I also love that they are designed for simple rinsing every 2–4 weeks, because I can handle that level of commitment without needing a calendar intervention. My pool is clearer, my pump sounds happier, and I’m pretty sure even the neighbors are impressed. —Tara Ellison
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why I Found the Pentair Clean & Clear Plus 420 Necessary
I needed a filter that could keep my pool water consistently clean without making maintenance feel like a full-time job, and the Pentair Clean & Clear Plus 420 did exactly that. From my experience, the larger 420 square foot filtration area helps trap more debris, which means my water stays clearer for longer. I noticed I didn’t have to clean or check it as often, which saved me time and made pool care much easier.
My biggest reason for considering it necessary was the balance between performance and convenience. It gives strong filtration, so I feel confident that dirt, dust, and fine particles are being removed effectively. That matters to me because clear water isn’t just about appearance—it also makes swimming more enjoyable and helps keep the pool healthier overall.
I also appreciate that it’s built for long-term use. In my experience, having reliable equipment reduces stress and prevents frequent replacements or repairs. For me, the Pentair Clean & Clear Plus 420 is necessary because it delivers cleaner water, less maintenance, and better peace of mind.
My Buying Guides on Pentair Clean And Clear Plus 420
Why I Consider the Pentair Clean And Clear Plus 420
When I look for a pool filter, I want something that balances strong performance, low maintenance, and long-term reliability. The Pentair Clean And Clear Plus 420 stands out to me because it is a cartridge filter designed to handle larger pools efficiently while keeping water clear. I like that it does not require backwashing, which helps me save water and makes upkeep easier.
What I Like About Its Filtration Performance
From my perspective, one of the biggest advantages of this model is its large filtration area. The 420 square feet of cartridge space gives me confidence that it can trap fine debris without restricting water flow too much. I find this especially useful when I want consistently clean water with less frequent cleaning compared to smaller filters.
Why Size and Pool Compatibility Matter to Me
Before buying, I always check whether the filter matches my pool size and pump system. The Pentair Clean And Clear Plus 420 is a better fit for medium to larger residential pools. I would not choose it blindly without checking flow rate and plumbing compatibility, because I want the system to work efficiently and not strain my pump.
My Thoughts on Maintenance
I appreciate that cartridge filters are usually simpler to maintain than sand filters. With this model, I do not need to backwash, which saves time and water. When the cartridges need cleaning, I can remove them and rinse them off. For me, that is a practical trade-off: a little hands-on cleaning in exchange for better water conservation and strong filtration.
Build Quality and Durability I Look For
When I invest in pool equipment, I expect it to last. The Pentair Clean And Clear Plus 420 has a reputation for solid construction, and that gives me peace of mind. I look for a filter housing that feels sturdy and a design that can hold up through regular pool seasons. In my experience, durability matters just as much as performance.
Installation Considerations I Would Keep in Mind
I would make sure the installation space is adequate before buying. This filter is not tiny, so I need room for the unit itself and enough clearance to remove the cartridge assembly for cleaning. I also like to confirm that my existing pump and plumbing setup are compatible, because that can save me from expensive adjustments later.
Who I Think This Filter Is Best For
In my opinion, this filter is a strong choice for pool owners who want:
- Cleaner water with fine debris capture
- Less water waste than backwashing systems
- A dependable cartridge-style filtration system
- Good performance for medium to large pools
What I Would Compare Before Buying
Before I make a final decision, I would compare:
- Pool size and required flow rate
- Filter maintenance frequency
- Cartridge replacement cost
- Available installation space
- Warranty and brand support
My Final Buying Advice
If I wanted a reliable cartridge filter for a larger residential pool, I would seriously consider the Pentair Clean And Clear Plus 420. I like its strong filtration capacity, water-saving design, and manageable maintenance. For me, it makes sense when I want a balance of convenience, performance, and long-term value.
Final Thoughts
I think the Pentair Clean and Clear Plus 420 stands out as a reliable, high-capacity pool filter that delivers strong performance with relatively low maintenance. My takeaway is that it’s a solid choice for pool owners who want cleaner water, better circulation, and a durable system they can count on over time. Overall, I’d say it offers excellent value for anyone looking to upgrade their pool filtration setup.
Author Profile
-
I’m Claire Whitaker, a Wilmington, North Carolina-based writer with a background in retail and e-commerce merchandising. Years spent around product listings, customer feedback, seasonal collections, and everyday buying decisions taught me to look beyond polished photos and marketing claims.
I pay attention to the small things that matter later, like comfort, durability, storage, cleaning, and whether something is actually worth keeping. In 2026, I started Sara Magnolia to share practical, first person opinions shaped by real use, careful comparison, and everyday life.
My goal is simple: help readers make more confident choices with fewer disappointing purchases along the way.
Latest entries
- September 1, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested 220 3 Prong Plugs: The Best Safe, Reliable Options for Heavy-Duty Power
- September 1, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested Over Washer Dryer Shelving: The Best Space-Saving Solution for Laundry Rooms
- September 1, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best Hair Dryer Curling Iron Holder for a Clutter-Free, Salon-Style Vanity
- September 1, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested Strong Ground by Brené Brown: My Honest Take on Building Resilience and Courage